This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is fresh, fun, and packed with flavor! Tender grilled chicken on skewers meets crisp veggies, all drizzled with a tasty BBQ sauce.
You can easily customize it with your favorite greens and toppings. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy eating without skimping on taste! I love making extra skewers for leftovers. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast can be a great substitute.
BBQ Sauce: A classic BBQ sauce adds flavor, but feel free to make your own for a personal touch! If you’re short on time, consider using a sugar-free version to reduce calories.
Lettuce: Romaine is my favorite for this salad—crunchy and fresh! However, you can swap it out for spinach or mixed greens if you prefer. Each will give the salad a different taste.
Corn: Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, corn adds sweetness and color. If you’re avoiding corn, try using diced bell peppers for a crunchy bite!
Avocado: This creamy fruit makes the salad rich and satisfying. If avocados are out of season or too pricey, you can replace them with sliced cucumbers or even olives for a different texture.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers might seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll get them just right! The key is to ensure even cooking and avoid dryness.
- Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Toss your chicken pieces in BBQ sauce before threading them to ensure great flavor and moisture.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat; this helps with even cooking.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. This ensures they brown nicely and stay juicy.
- For an extra layer of flavor, brush on more BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or your choice of dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. This includes about 15 minutes for marinating the chicken and another 15 minutes for grilling and assembling the salad. Perfect for a quick and fresh meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce until they are well coated. Make sure every piece is covered in the yummy sauce! Then, carefully thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked wooden skewers. This will keep them from burning on the grill.
2. Cook the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they are done when they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. If you like, brush a bit more BBQ sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes for extra flavor. When finished, take them off the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro to add a pop of color!
3. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, diced avocado, and shredded cheese. This colorful mix makes your salad nutritious and visually appealing! Season it all with a little salt and pepper to taste, then give it a gentle toss to blend everything together.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your choice of dressing over the salad mix. Ranch dressing works well, but feel free to choose your favorite! Toss the salad gently again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the salad in bowls or on plates and top each with a few BBQ chicken skewers. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad while it’s still nice and colorful!
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: shrimp typically cooks in only about 5-7 minutes, while beef may take longer depending on your desired doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! You can use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking. If you have grill baskets, you can also grill the chicken pieces directly in those to avoid any stickiness.
How to Store Leftover Salad and Skewers?
Store the leftover salad and skewers separately in airtight containers. The salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to add dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp. The skewers can last for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or grill briefly before serving.
Can I Make the Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor, and then thread the skewers just before grilling. Alternatively, you can fully cook the skewers ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
